Eric Lewis Liebowitz, 35
Eric Lewis Liebowitz, 35, a white man, was shot and killed by Los Angeles police officers in the 5800 block of Balcom Avenue in Encino about 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5.
According to an LAPD press statement, officers with the LAPD's West Valley Division responded to a call of shots fired in the 5800 block of Jamieson Avenue. But they were later directed to Balcom Avenue, one street over. Upon arrival, Officers Alexis Padron, Dave Soissons, Brian McDonald and Jason Duplantis were setting up a perimeter when Liebowitz emerged from a house with a shotgun, the statement said. Liebowitz walked toward officers and allegedly pointed the weapon at them. Officers fired, wounding Liebowitz. They ordered him to stay on the ground, but Liebowitz got up and attempted to reach for the shotgun, the statement said. The officers fired again, killing Liebowitz.
A shotgun was recovered at the scene, and evidence suggests that Liebowitz allegedly fired at the officers, the statement said. However, the report did not say when Liebowitz actually fired his weapon. Police spokeswoman Sgt. Ruby Malachi said very little was known about the suspect.
All but one officer, Duplantis, have served with LAPD's West Valley Division for more than ten years. The Los Angeles Police Department's Force Investigation Division is looking into the shooting.
On the day of the shooting, residents living on Balcom Avenue described their neighborhood as a typical one; peaceful and quiet. "It's definitely not normal for this neighborhood," said Virginia, a long-time resident who did not want to disclose her last name.
Ron Traylor, 62, who lives near the house where the shooting occurred, said he was in his bedroom when he heard a single gunshot. "Then I heard several gunshots," Traylor added.
(You have reached the end of the weekly listing of homicide victims in Los Angeles County, Aug. 4-11, 2008.)
-Ruben Vives / LAT
A "white man"? WTF? Is the LA Times a newspaper anymore?
Posted by: Nora | August 07, 2008 at 10:44 PM
Rest in peace, eric.
Posted by: unknown | August 08, 2008 at 09:01 PM
a resident of encino??? Why not a "white man" funny how you fail to mention that this time!!! Hmmmm
Posted by: B1gTriggFr0mFig3 | August 10, 2008 at 12:02 PM
What was this guy problem, drugs, booze or was he just mentally unstable. Why would he point a shotgun at these police officers like this. Seems like a suicide by cop type thing.
Posted by: Rick | August 11, 2008 at 09:02 AM
he was half of the jesus twins from the howard stern show.
Posted by: thereisnorule6 | August 13, 2008 at 05:45 AM
Like we couldn't tell he was a white guy from the name Liebowitz...dude was one of the Jesus Twins from Howard Stern
Posted by: PJ21 | August 13, 2008 at 07:43 AM
"Like we couldn't tell he was a white guy from the name Liebowitz..."
classic
Posted by: Hey Joe | August 20, 2008 at 01:10 PM
rest in peace our friend u were very special and changed all of our lives we loved you we miss u
Posted by: robalbecar | August 27, 2008 at 08:56 AM